Seven candidates in the race for New York City mayor squared off in a punchy final televised debate on Thursday, two days before early voting starts for the primary election.
Candidates piled onto former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who resigned in August 2021 after he was accused of sexually harassing 13 women while in office. He is also mired in allegations of covering up the number of deaths of older New Yorkers in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“You’ve never taken responsibility for one single thing you’ve done wrong in your entire life. You should try it sometime,” said city Comptroller Brad Lander to Cuomo.
The former governor focused his attack on state Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani, who is second in most polls behind Cuomo.
“To put a person in this seat at this time, with no experience, is reckless and dangerous,” said Cuomo said of Mamdani.
Mamdani then shot back: “I have never had to resign in disgrace."
The two-hour debate, hosted by Errol Lewis of Spectrum News NY 1, Brian Lehrer of WNYC and Katie Honan of The City, was also attended by City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, former city Comptroller Scott Stringer, state Senator Zellnor Myrie and businessman Whitney Tilson.
At times, candidates tried to spell out their experience in government.
“I’ve raised a family in New York. I have over 20 years of experience,” she said. “I have led the City Council through many, many challenges.”
Stinger said voters should cast their ballot for someone with competency and experience, while Myrie emphasized his role in reducing class room sizes in public schools.
Moderators also asked Cuomo and Mamdani, who is Muslim, about religion.
Cuomo stumbled when he said could not recall if he had ever visited a mosque.
"The reason he doesn't have a message for Muslim New Yorkers is because he has nothing to say to us," Mamdani said.
The Queens Assemblyman also said he was not antisemitic: "I will protect Jewish New Yorkers and deliver them that safety."
Meanwhile, Tilson, a former hedge fund executive, said he would rank Cuomo second on his ballot.
Early voting for the June 24 primary election starts on Saturday, June 14.
